How to Ship Moving Containers Overseas

If you’re making the bold move to a city overseas, a moving container company may offer the services you’re looking for that are necessary for ensuring your move is as easy and convenient as possible. This type of move does come with its own unique set of challenges so understanding as much about the process as possible will help you navigate this transition more comfortably.

Choosing an international moving container company

Many portable moving container companies claim to offer International shipping in their list of services but this can often mean many different things as almost every moving company has some restriction on where they’ll deliver to. Some storage container companies will only deliver inside the United States and to Canada, while others may ship to Puerto Rico. In either case, these qualify as “International” or “Overseas” shipping.

If you know exactly where you’re moving to, ask the company’s representative whether or not they deliver to that specific country. Make it your first question and you’ll save plenty of time. In order to get the best possible results, choose an International shipper that has extensive experience in shipping moving containers internationally.

Special considerations for international moves

When you’re moving overseas and using a storage container company to handle the shipping, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind, including things like insurance, paperwork and security.

Unlike shipping in the continental U.S., when you ship your belongings overseas, your homeowner’s insurance does not cover it while in transit. Therefore, you will need to purchase a special policy to cover your items against damage, loss or theft while the moving container is in transit.

You will also be required to carefully document everything that is packed into the storage container. While this should be done during any move, it is much more important on an international move.

Before the moving container is picked up and removed from your premises, make sure that the moving company seals the container and assigns it a tag number. Keep all of the related documentation with you at all times while your moving container is in transit.

When the moving container arrives

After the moving container arrives, do not sign off on the delivery until you have inspected the container for any visible signs of damage. While most moving companies have international shipping of moving containers down to a science, ships can experience turbulent weather while in transit and moving containers may get jostled if they weren’t secured properly so it always pays to check.

Essential documents to keep on you

There are some essential documents you’re going to need to keep on your persons while making an international move. These include:

  • Passports
  • Visas
  • Inoculation records
  • Important shipping information including the international mover’s name and address, your container number, number of units and seal numbers
  • The date of sailing for your moving container and its expected arrival date
  • Cash and credit cards

Lastly, be sure to provide the moving container company with your new address and phone number abroad so they can easily get in contact with you if necessary.